Evaluation of the Olduvai subchron in the Orce ravine (SE Spain). Implications for Plio-Pleistocene mammal biostratigraphy and the age of Orce archeological sites

The Palaeolithic occupation of Europe as revealed by evidence from the rivers: data from IGCP 449

“…The bed, characterised by reversed polarity (Matuyama chron), has been claimed to slightly pre-date the Jaramillo subchron-ca. 1.1 Ma (Martinez-Navarro et al, 2005), although the dating and correlation of the stratigraphy within this basin may need reviewing in the light of findings by Gilbert et al (2006). Nonhandaxe assemblages are also present in the Atapuerca karstic system (Carbonell et al, 1995(Carbonell et al, , 2001 in levels just below the Matuyama-Brunhes reversal Pérez-González, 1995, 1999).…”

Extended-range luminescence chronologies suggest potentially complex bone accumulation histories at the Early-to-Middle Pleistocene palaeontological site of Huéscar-1 (Guadix-Baza basin, Spain)

“…The low precision of existing radiometric results and broader reliance on relative dating techniques have made it difficult to correlate different sites and sections within the Guadix-Baza basin. Additional problems, such as the relatively low temporal resolution of the palaeomagnetic datasets, the unsuitability of some of the deposits in the basin for palaeomagnetism analysis due to remagnetisation effects, and confusion regarding the Plio-Pleistocene biostratigraphic succession, have also resulted in uncertainty over existing chronological schemes (e.g., Gibert et al, 2006;Agustí et al, 2007;Jim enez-Arenas et al, 2011;Oms et al, 2011). Consequently, there remains a need to develop a more reliable, numerical dating framework for the Guadix-Baza sedimentary record using widely applicable techniques that provide coverage over Early to Middle Pleistocene timescales.…”

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORDS | 1.9 Myr–300000 Years Ago in Europe

“…Core-and flake-using hominins, presumably H. ergaster, were certainly present in North Africa, at sites such as Ain Hanech, at 1.8 Myr (Sahnouni et al, 2002). 1.6 Myr in age (Gibert et al (2006), and references therein). These have been redated on paleomagnetic, but mostly on faunal, grounds to slightly younger than Dmanisi, perhaps ca.…”